The Strongest Oak Foundation

The Strongest Oak Foundation

"The Strongest Oak Foundation (TSO) is an Alberta-based, non-profit organization that supports disadvantaged African youth through internships and financial aid. Through our Solar Energy Program, we equip schools in remote African villages with clean (solar) power, giving local youth an opportunity to explore career opportunities in renewable energy through “green” internships."

About This Cause

"The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It's the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun."

— Napoleon Hill

The Strongest Oak (TSO) Foundation is an international non-profit organization that equips remote African villages with solar power and provides mentorship, internship opportunities, and financial support to disadvantaged African youth who have endured extreme adversity, such as war trauma or acute poverty. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, TSO helps these youth (our “Oaks”) achieve life-changing personal, educational or professional goals, with the ultimate goal of them becoming financially self-sustaining.

The Challenges: TSO targets two key challenges: scarce access to electricity in Africa’s remote areas and too few career opportunities for its growing youth population.